UK issues warning to Russia as tensions mount in Arctic amid Trump threats - The Mirror

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that the icy region is rapidly becoming a critical frontier for NATO as climate change opens up new territory for hostile states

Britain and its allies must step up their defences in the Arctic to face down growing Russian threats, the Foreign Secretary has said.

Yvette Cooper warned that the icy region is rapidly becoming a critical frontier for NATO as climate change opens up new territory for hostile states.

On a trip to Finland and Norway today, she will call on allies to beef up security against hostile states in the region, as Russia and China seek to expand their influence.

Tensions have ratcheted up over control of the High North in recent weeks after Donald Trump ’s threats to take control of Greenland to shore up American security.

Warming seas have opened new shipping routes and exposed valuable resources, triggering a power struggle in the region.

Russia has sought to militarise the region and to use it as a corridor for its shadow fleet, the ageing vessels it uses to transport oil and gas to avoid sanctions.

Last week, the UK provided support to the US coastguard in seizing the Bella 1 tanker off the coast of Britain.

Ms Cooper said: “Britain is stepping up on Arctic security. With our allies we are working to strengthen Arctic defences and deter any attempts from the likes of Vladimir Putin to threaten our interests and our infrastructure. As climate change opens the Arctic, the region will become an ever more critical frontier for NATO.”

She added: “We see it as our responsibility and our duty to tackle these challenges head on, making us all safer in the process.

“Arctic security is a critical transatlantic partnership issue for the security of Britain and NATO. Coming together as an alliance allows us to unify and tackle this emerging threat.”

Ms Cooper will meet border guards in Finland defending NATO’s eastern flank with Russia today before travelling to Norway to visit Royal Marines taking part in a live training demonstration at Camp Viking.

The military base acts as the year-round operations hub for the UK Commando Force, providing essential cold weather training for up to 1500 personnel.